HONOLULU — Walmart and Sam’s Club have launched their 10th annual "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." campaign to help provide food for families and individuals across the country, according to a news release. The two, together with suppliers and associates, and with the help of customers and members, aim to help Hawaii families gain access to food and other resources.
Rising food prices, the end of the pandemic-related federal support programs and continuing supply chain disruptions of particular concern in Hawaii are affecting food assistance organizations and approximately “a quarter million people in Hawaii facing hunger.” This translates to one in four keiki, making the state the second highest in the nation with children facing food insecurity.
Since 2014, the campaign has generated over $165 million for the Feeding America network of food banks, including Hawaii Foodbank on Oahu, Hawaii Foodbank Kauai, Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket on Hawaii Island. To date, the campaign has secured over 600,000 meals for local families statewide.
“Hunger is closer to a lot of us than we might realize,” said Hawaii Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller Marvin in the release. “With the aftermath of the pandemic — which doubled food insecurity levels across Hawaii — and record inflation rates, one in six people in Hawaii continue to struggle with hunger.
“It impacts our neighbors, our friends, our family, our keiki, our kupuna and many more. The campaign comes at a crucial time. We’re so grateful for all of the participating stores and their generous customers for stepping in to help meet this persistent need,” said Marvin.
The campaign will run in all Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations, as well as online, through May 8. The funds raised will support each island’s respective food bank and the various initiatives that keep communities from going hungry.
Customers and members can support those in need in three ways:
Make a donation at check-out in stores or clubs, or round-up at the Walmart.com.
Donations can be made at the campaign donation site at either Walmart online or Sam’s Club online.
When customers or club members purchase a product from a participating supplier in-store, in-club or online, the supplier will donate the monetary equivalent of at least one meal on behalf of a Feeding America member food bank at Walmart and five meals at Sam’s Club, up to applicable limits. Details are specially marked on participating supplier products.
Walmart has 18 participating suppliers, and Sam’s Club has 16. Suppliers found in both include BodyArmor, The Clorox Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Frito-Lay North America, Inc., General Mills, Kellogg’s, Keurig Dr. Pepper and Kraft Heinz. The other participating suppliers are specific to each store or club.
A full list of participating suppliers and additional information are available on the campaign website.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
